• The New York Public Library desk reference (4th ed. / Ellen Scordato) -- This collection of a wide range of topics -- grouped in twenty-six subject areas, under the main categories of the physical world, the world of ideas, communication, daily life, recreation, and the political world – is a classic resource for students and staff alike.
  • World Almanac and book of facts --2010 (Facts on File, c2009) -- general reference for any library and its patrons
  • Famous first facts: a record of first happenings, discoveries, and inventions in American history
    (Kane, Joseph Nathan, 1899-2002. - H.W. Wilson, p2006, c2006) – Quite frankly, I see these books in almost every library I go in; they can be used in every subject area, not just social studies.
  • Famous first facts: a record of first happenings, discoveries, and inventions in world history (H.W. Wilson, p2000, c2000) – Quite frankly, I see these books in almost every library I go in; they can be used in every subject area, not just social studies.
  • The Facts On File guide to research (Lenburg, Jeff. - Facts On File, p2005, c2005) -- Again, for all subject areas, having a handy and reliable research guide is a key resource.
  • Nobel prize winners: an H.W. Wilson biographical dictionary (H.W. Wilson, p1987, c1987) -- For history, literature, science, math, economics, there are many assignments that could have connections to people who have earned this distinction.
  • Guinness World Records, 2009 (Bantam Books, p2009, c2009) -- I find that most people are fascinated with this cultural icon.
  • The book of lists for teens (Choron, Sandra. - Houghton Mifflin, p2002, c2002) -- many connections to all subject areas

Note: This section, if not "reigned in", could be huge. This list is a representative sample of items that are widely applicable. Our group decided not to include a print encyclopedia as our online section includes one.